I wouldn't pretend to be an expert on the politics of Scotland and, as a socialist and republican, I certainly don't view the coming referendum as a means to independence. However cynical I remain about the limited capability of an electoral system to create genuine change, I'd still argue that it's an imperative to vote 'Yes'. Real independence can only be achieved when a country fully controls its own economy (and I don't mean Scottish based capitalism!), through a combination of sweeping nationalisation and co-operatives. Real independence can only be attained when a nation frees itself from the hierarchical and anachronistic structure of an unelected Head of State and that is replaced by a democratic one , whereby the Head of State comes from any sector of society and is a representative figure. Real independence means not belonging to an alliance like NATO, with all its machinations and arms deals, with its support for dictatorial regimes (such as Saudi Arabia) when it suits the global strategy and economic greed for resources like oil. Therefore, my argument is that what Scotland is actually voting for is a form of 'Devo Max Max', as it will still be under a British monarch, heavily influenced by the Bank of England, in NATO and, unfortunately , not run by a socialist government in the near future. Despite its avowed social democratic policies, which make it indisputably to the left of Brit Labour, I cannot see the SNP carrying out the necessary land reforms or takeover of the energy companies and transport. Though all these are far more likely to happen given a Scottish Government with considerably more power. Even if a Labour Government were to be elected next May in the Westminster elections (though a coalition with the LibDems is a likely scenario), they have stressed constantly that they will continue with the ConDems policies of austerity and cuts and their failure to back Trade Unions also, does not auger well for the resolution of issues such as pensions, wages and workload. The way in which Scotland has been governed by the SNP only reinforces a degree of optimism and their intention to get rid of the destructive , divisive bedroom tax and scrap Trident are policies which bode well for the future. Present policies on tuition fees ,the NHS and an education system which rejects Labour's Academies - which favoured the middle class and promoted elitism - all suggest that Scotland will be an even better place for the majority should they vote 'Yes'. One point which is rarely made is one which I feel would be a vital argument here in Cymru , should we ever have the opportunity to choose whether we want 'independence'. That is a sense of purpose and belonging : being part of something you can truly believe in, instead of an antiquated Disunited Kingdom based on war and Empire and a monarchy which represents all that's wrong with the hierarchical class system. Like successful workers' co-operatives such as Tower Colliery, people need to feel valued and that their voices are heard and, crucially, that they accrue the benefits financially, rather than all the money being in the hands of the very few. Though we do not have oil wealth in Cymru, what we do possess is a people yearning for a much better world . people full of talent , potential and skill is as much a resource as any ; it is more lasting than oil! In order to offer an alternative to the many who are disillusioned with politics and often cannot be bothered to vote or take part in any action, it's no use focusing solely on elections and their inevitable short-termism. Living in one of the poorest countries in Europe we have very little and so, nothing to lose. Every ideal has to be shown to benefit the way people live and we can no longer define ourselves in negatives. To illustrate my view, it's not enough to say that we don't have the likes of Academies and Free Schools : we need to create a unique, fully bi-lingual, comprehensive system where money and privilege play no part. In short, a Welsh education system which reflects our values and our history. I 'm completely aware of the contradictions here. How can you appeal to those who are apathetic for all kinds of reasons, one being their lack of any confidence and initiative ; traits of a country which has been treated like a colony, our resources used up and our towns and villages left to decay. But I believe that many are searching for a different way of life, one where they aren't ripped off every day by loan sharks and companies out for every penny of profit , no matter what the human cost. If Wales Votes 'Yes' is, for now,a fantasy......but one worth thinking about. IF WALES VOTES 'YES'If Wales votes 'Yes'we're in danger of losingthe Everything we don't possess.Don't forget, it's heavily subsidisedby central government grantsand generous Westminster hand-outs.We've got roads financed by the ECrunning from neglected hill farmsto our abandoned valleys.If Wales votes 'Yes' we'll have the languagethrust so far down our throatswe'll have to fill in tax formsin perfect cynghanedd,our dentists be qualified in cerdd dant.If Wales votes 'Yes'we'll top every league for unemployment,disability benefits, obesity, diabetes....We'll demand all the nothingswe used to cherish, in our messwe'll mourn our once Great Emptiness.